Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H31/00—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
  • H01H31/02—Details
  • H01H31/026—Movable parts and contacts mounted thereon
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H31/00—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
  • H01H31/02—Details
  • H01H31/023—Base and stationary contacts mounted thereon
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H31/00—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
  • H01H31/26—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with movable contact that remains electrically connected to one line in open position of switch
  • H01H31/28—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with movable contact that remains electrically connected to one line in open position of switch with angularly-movable contact
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H31/00—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
  • H01H31/26—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with movable contact that remains electrically connected to one line in open position of switch
  • H01H31/28—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with movable contact that remains electrically connected to one line in open position of switch with angularly-movable contact
  • H01H31/30—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with movable contact that remains electrically connected to one line in open position of switch with angularly-movable contact actuated through the movement of one or more insulators
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H1/00—Contacts
  • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
  • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
  • H01H1/42—Knife-and-clip contacts

Definitions

• This patent relates to commodity distribution and in particular to a switch for electric power distribution applications.
• Distribution switches can be configured to provide no-external-arc circuit interruption for overhead distribution feeders. Such switches are weii suited for line switching (Including sectionaiizing and feeder switching), transformer switching, cable switching and the like. Often configured to be gang- operated, i.e., a single operating mechanism switches all of the distribution phases. Such gang-operated switches may provide may provide a ground level manual operating handle or a vandal-resistant hookstick operating handle.
• the switches include an interrupter providing simultaneous, close three-pole interphase interrupting.
• FIG. 1 is perspective view of a distribution switch in accordance with the prior art.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of terminal connection to a switch of a distribution switch.
• Fig. 3 is a side view of the terminal connection of Fig. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a contact assembly of a distribution switch.
• Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the contract assembly of Fig. 4 with the contact spring removed to enhance the view.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a blade assembly of a destruction switch.
• Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a blade cam of the blade assembly of Fig. 6.
• Fig. 8 is a side view of the blade cam of Fig. 7.
• Fig. 9 is a top view of the blade cam of Fig. 7.
• Fig. 1 depicts a distribution switch 10 including a mounting member 12 so that the switch 10 may be mounted to a utility pole 14. Many alternative mounting configurations are possible.
• the switch 10 includes a plurality of phase interrupting and switching assemblies 16, and in the application for switch 10 three assemblies 18 corresponding to a three-phase distribution system. Each of the assemblies 16 is coupled to an operator 18 for simultaneous operation.
• Each assembly 18 Includes a current interrupter 20 such as a vacuum interrupter, a blade assembly 22, a blade contact assembly 24, and terminal connections 28.
• Switches like the switch 10 incorporate pivoting hinges to allow rotation of the blade assembly 22 during opening and closing of the switch.
• the terminal pad for landing the high voltage conductor of the distribution system may be incorporated in the hinge design.
• a typical configuration before the structures of the instant invention, uses a single-axis rotating contact. This configurations is sensitive to the alignment of the conductor to the hinge terminal pad, namely, the conductor needs to be well aligned with the hinge terminal pad to prevent uneven loading of he hinge structure. With large size conductors it is difficult to conform and land the conductors on the hinge terminal pad without applying an off-set or torsional load to the hinge terminal pad. Offset or torsional loading of the hinge assembly can cause uneven contact forces or misalignment of the blade and jaw contracts of the switch during closing.
• a terminal connection 28 is shown and includes a spherical hinge joint 28.
• the hinge joint 28 incorporates a blade terminal portion 30 and a hinge terminal portion 32 secured to an insulator 34.
• the blade terminal portion 30 is formed with a semi-spherical or convex surface portion 36.
• the hinge terminal portion 32 mounts on the blade terminal portion 30 and is formed with a semi-spherical or convex surface portion 38 corresponding to the convex surface portion 38 such that the interaction of the portions 38 and 38 act as a bearing.
• the portion 38 may be formed with buttons, bumps or other protuberances to contact the portion 38 to ensure good electrical contact.
• Both the blade 30 and the hinge 32 are formed with an aperture (not depicted) through which a post 40 extends, the post 40 being secured to the insulator 34.
• the post has a groove end 36 on which a fastener clip 37 secures the blade 28 and the hinge 30 to the insulator along with washers and spacers, as necessary.
• a spring 44 is disposed between the washers 46 to provide clamping force to ensure the hinge portion 32 always remains in contact wit the blade portion 30.
• Other securing and biasing techniques including staking, upsetting and the like may be used.
• the aperture formed in the hinge portion 32 may be formed as slot 48 to allow it to rotate 360 degrees about the post 40 and additionally rotate upward (Fig. 2) and downward (Fig. 3) a predetermined amount, for example between about 10 and 15 degrees, for example 13 degrees, and to twist about its longitudinal axis between about +/- 5 degrees, for example 3 degrees.
• a contact assembly 50 is of the jaw contact type and includes a plurality (two depicted) jaw contact buttons 52 of the corresponding jaw contact fingers 54 of a jaw contact 56 that float in apertures 58 formed in guide fingers 80.
• the floating contact buttons arrangement allows evening of contact forces of the upper and lower jaw contacts.
• the width of the guide fingers 60 and deflection of the jaw contact fingers 54 is such that force to align the jaw contacts 56 and gradually spread the contact force over a large surface area of the blade 30.
• the guide fingers 60 also provide a sacrificial arcing surface while closing the blade into high current faults or similar energized situations.
• the leading tips 82 of the guide fingers take the pre-strike arc erosion during fault closing while leaving the jaw contact 56 surfaces undamaged.
• the guide fingers 60 support the jaw contacts 56 from collapsing due to a biasing force of the contact spring 64 and from electromagnetic forces during high current situations, thus allowing elimination from the assembly of a spacer previously used to maintain the spacing of the jaw contacts 56.
• the guide fingers 60 center the blade 30 as it enters into the contact assembly 50. If the blade 30 is misaligned, the guide fingers 60 gradually center the blade 30 as it enters the contact assembly 50.
• the guide fingers are spaced a predetermined amount wider than the thickness of the blade 30, for example approximately 0.030 inch (0.762 millimeters).
• the guide fingers 60 further include a bumper 66 and guide block 68 that are adjustable on the mounting block 70 in order to align and center the guide fingers on the jaw contacts. Once the guide fingers 80 are aligned, the jaw contact buttons 52 protrude from the apertures 58, for example approximately 0.050 inch (1 ,25 millimeter) to make contact with the blade 30,
• the switch 10 incorporates for each phase a shunt interrupter 20.
• the interrupter 20 is operated by engagement of a shunt-operating arm 70 with a cam 72 secured to the blade 30, It is important for proper operation of the shunt interrupter 16 that the arm 70 properiy latch with the cam 72 because failing to do so can result in the contacts in the interrupter 16 not opening correctly and the current not being interrupted. It is possible even that an external arc can result and a flashover of the switch 16.
• the cam 72 is formed with an integral closing feature 74 to ensure the operating arm 70 is moved to the fully closed and latched position upon closing of the associated switch 16.
• An additional feature 76 a multi-angled cam surface that allows resetting of the operating arm 70. The surface 76 forces the flexible arm 70 over the conductive pin 78 during closing of the switch 16.
• a non-conductive material is chosen for the cam 72 that allows it and the ice shield 80 to act as a dielectric barrier between the arm 70 and the guide fingers 60 of the contact assembly 50
• the cam 72 is mounted to the blade 30 of the associated switch 16.
• the conductive pin 78 that connects to the blade 30 is formed integral with the cam 72, for example by in situ molding.
• the pin 78 actuates the operating arm interrupter 20 trips open, the pin 78 continues to keep the interrupter 20 open until the arm 70 ioses contact with the pin 78.
• the arm 70 then returns to its dosed position by action of an internal spring (not depicted).
• an internal spring not depicted.
• the surface 78 raises the arm 70 over the pin 78.
• the integrated closing stop 84 on the cam 72 ensures the interrupter 20 is closed, reset and ready for the next operation.

Landscapes

• Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
• Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
• Contacts (AREA)
• Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
• Cable Accessories (AREA)
• Stand-By Power Supply Arrangements (AREA)
• Push-Button Switches (AREA)
• Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
• Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
• Tumbler Switches (AREA)
• Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)

Priority Applications (9)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Related Child Applications (1)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=44834745

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (7)

Citations (3)

Family Cites Families (14)

• 2011
  • 2011-04-18 CA CA2796376A patent/CA2796376C/en active Active
  • 2011-04-18 CN CN201180019622.3A patent/CN102985989B/zh active Active
  • 2011-04-18 WO PCT/US2011/032921 patent/WO2011133473A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-04-18 EP EP11772501.0A patent/EP2561535B1/de active Active
  • 2011-04-18 NZ NZ624804A patent/NZ624804A/en unknown
  • 2011-04-18 BR BR112012026513A patent/BR112012026513B8/pt active IP Right Grant
  • 2011-04-18 NZ NZ625984A patent/NZ625984A/en unknown
  • 2011-04-18 MX MX2012012027A patent/MX2012012027A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2011-04-18 NZ NZ603078A patent/NZ603078A/en unknown
  • 2011-04-18 AU AU2011242986A patent/AU2011242986A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2012
  • 2012-10-09 US US13/647,937 patent/US20130026018A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-10-18 CL CL2012002911A patent/CL2012002911A1/es unknown
• 2015
  • 2015-01-28 US US14/607,765 patent/US10410812B2/en active Active

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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